After a knee injury from sailing left Paul unable to continue with his usual work, he wasn’t sure what the future would hold. But thanks to Calico Enterprise’s new WorkWell programme, he’s now in a job he loves – and making a real difference in people’s lives.
Paul, who’s lived in Nelson with his wife for over 25 years, first heard about WorkWell by chance while volunteering at The Chai Centre. It’s here he met Charlotte Ellwood, an Employment Coach at Calico Enterprise, who quickly arranged a meeting.
Employment Coach Charlotte said: “I met Paul at The Chai Centre by chance and arranged for him to come in for a meeting. During our first (and only) WorkWell meeting, we filled out his first job application and he got it. We hit the jackpot first time!”
With a background in community work – including roles with the NHS Trust, refugee support, and pharmacy deliveries – Paul knew he wanted a job where he could work with people and not be stuck behind a desk.
Through WorkWell, Charlotte helped him apply for a role as a Registrar with Lancashire County Council. He’s now officiating weddings at beautiful venues like Crow Wood in Burnley and Eaves Hall in the Ribble Valley.
Paul joked: “Some are emotional, but in a nice way. I’m soppier than I ever thought I was”.
“There’s been a lot to learn, especially starting during the busy wedding season – but it’s been so worth it,” he said. “This role can make a massive difference in the long run, both financially and for my wellbeing. I already feel so much better in myself.”
Over the last few years, Paul had been working alongside his wife – who runs her own business – from their home in Nelson, which he found quite ‘isolating at times’.
The admin tasks Paul helped with meant he didn’t get the opportunity to speak to new people much – a big driving force behind his decision to return to the workplace.
He added: “My wife’s happy that I’m out and about more – and hopefully it means she can work less!”
Paul is thriving in his new role. Since starting in May this year, he’s already managed to score 92% on his first assessment and is loving the challenge of the role.
Beforehand, Paul had been volunteering at the centre since October 2024. Every Wednesday, he helps in the community garden through Community Roots and The Woodland Trust.
Paul said: “Volunteering gave me a great opportunity to be out and about chatting to the community again”.
He continued: “If I hadn’t volunteered here, I wouldn’t have met Charlotte. I’d have seen the job role and never applied myself.”
If you’d like to learn more about WorkWell, please visit: https://calicoenterprise.org.uk/work-well/
